I’m writing this from my (very nice) Bangkok hotel, where I’ve been working this week. Since I came back to Thailand from the UK a month ago, things have been busy – I’ve done some work every week, and all of it away, in either Singapore or Bangkok. Bangkok is about 5 hours door to door, and Singapore, due to the very limited ferries from my island to the one with the airport, is anything from 9 hours to 15 hours, when I have to stay the night to get the first ferry back in the morning.
I’ve loved the work I’ve done so far – today, for example, I am working for a huge international public sector client who everyone reading this will have heard of, as they’re on the news every other day (they’re the good guys ;-)), and I’ve met people from everywhere from one of the smallest countries in the world to Azerbijan. People who are passionate about their roles, work in dangerous countries to support the growth of humanity. It’s been a privilege.
As always when I work with a new, interesting client, I start to imagine myself working for them. This happens a lot, don’t worry (I’ve worked for all kinds of clients in my head…). And so my work, my play, and I guess I’d call it my self-exploration continues. I continue to find it a challenge to find that balance point between work, between personal projects, between yoga, and actual rest and chill out time. Rest always seems the thing that falls by the wayside – a friend and I talked about actually scheduling it in the other day. When you have no formal structure to your week, every day is a day off, and yet every day there are exciting things to do. I found myself recently ruled again by the tyranny of the list. Not the, be kind-to-yourself, gentle-list I had managed to reach recently, but the list that is a despot, that oppressive set of things I ‘should’ be doing. Luckily I’m wise to this now, so whilst I have been working this week (I’ve been here since Sunday), the list has stayed in my bag – I have enough to do already, believe me!
Greatest Hits
So no long post this week, but instead I thought I would point you back to some of the posts that have been particularly dear or important to me since I started writing. And, you know, the ones other people have liked too.
Starting it all:
Wherever the wind takes me – my first post…
Most popular:
10 unforgettable massage experiences AND 6 tips to get the perfect massage – this gets hits every single day. I think it shows more about what people search for on the internet than my amazing writing skills, but it’s still a fun post about an experience I love and am pleased to share!
Elephant Sanctuary – the next most popular, people go mad for the pix of the elephants…
My unloved baby
Happy New Year – this was a more philosophical and heartfelt post with two songs which mean a lot to me, but, I think because of when it was published (NYE) and its generic title, has been a bit unloved. If you missed this one due to the end of year excitement, read it now!
Most important to have written
Cambodia’s dark history – an exploration of the horrors of the Cambodian genocide inspired by my trip to that country.
Personal Favourites
99 ideas to bring ‘Play’ into your life: The magic of The Artist Date – such fun to write, and I use it myself to think about ideas for fun and play still.
Vignettes: Moments of Meaning – pushing myself in terms of creative writing, an interesting experiment.
Hopefully you continue to enjoy reading, future post topics coming up include (once they’re finished!) stories, Singapore, and willpower, amongst others…see you soon!
tomsandman says
You are way too commercial for me….Tx
ellenmbard says
I’m keeping the balance…mostly! x
Ellen Dunne says
I like Business Ellen! The thing to remember, El, is YOU are in charge of your destiny. So take charge. X
ellenmbard says
I’m working on it – experimenting with options first…x
chris says
If I may reiterate, what a hectic life you lead! Bangkok today, Singapore tomorrow. I loved the picture of you dressed for business. Love G’Dad XXX
ellenmbard says
Thanks! Yes, it’s a bit more hectic than I imagined this time – I’m not getting as much hammock time as I hoped! 🙂 x
Joy Bedard says
Hi Ellen – thank you for sharing these personal and professional experiences with us! You, commuting between Singapore, Bangladesh and “your” island! Just the travel without new working and living conditions takes much energy!
We admire your devotion to a balanced lifestyle and the trial of untried experiences. Way to go – what spirit!
As for us, spring is here and we were outdoors doing “Srs” exercises this morning followed by an outdoor barbeque. In addition, I’ve been working on a Discernment Report concerning Linda Buchanan’s Call to Ministry in the United Church of Canada. She feels a freshness and enthusiasm in this which is contagious.
Édouard is just back from a walk with our 2 Shih Tzus who enrich our lives with their antics.
We are thrilled to be in touch with you and hear about your focuses and travel/personal experiences and see your gorgeous face and figure on our screen.
Love to you and yours and congrats on making this move and having the courage to “go it alone” in a completely different environment. Hugs, Édouard & Joy
ellenmbard says
Thanks Joy & Edouard! So nice to hear from you – and I love that my readers are truly worldwide! I’ve been working on my energy and it’s doing ok so far. The yoga and islands replenishes me – although I do get a kick out of working with such amazing people and in such a multicultural way. I’ve met some fascinating people in work and play. Do keep in touch and keep reading! x
Yvonne Kimman says
Hi Ellen,
I’ve been looking forward to your weekly blog ever since I came across the one posted on the elephant sanctuary’s FB page. I love being the proverbial fly on the wall while I enjoy your great narrative to friends & family. Since I’ve wanted to return to Bali this year for a yoga retreat, your stories are enticing me to add a stop in northern Thailand. I’ve been to Bangkok twice in the past, and much like you, I cherish my time-out in a beautiful natural setting.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your life and thoughts with those of us who have not met you (yet) in person, and have grown very fond of you.
Warm regards from Los Angeles,
Yvonne